Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire-Chapter 344: Forever With

At Elysium Biotech Institute

Clifford couldn’t believe how he was acting like a teenager. He had just asked Kelly out on a date and even asked permission from her mother and Ivan to take her out. Not that he was planning to take her anywhere far; he just wanted her to enjoy the beach not too far from the institute.

He had prepared everything meticulously: a cozy, romantic glamping setup by the beach, with warm lights, soft cushions, and her favorite snacks. After one last look in the mirror to make sure he was presentable enough though he felt like no amount of effort could match Kelly’s natural beauty. He took a deep breath and headed to her room to pick her up.

’I can’t believe I’m this nervous,’ Clifford thought, feeling his heart pound against his chest.

It wasn’t just a simple date for him; it was his first date ever. Years of unrequited love for Rain had kept him from ever pursuing anyone else. Until Kelly. She was the one who changed everything.

When he knocked, the door opened, and Clifford’s jaw nearly dropped. Kelly stood there looking radiant, her long ash-grey hair loose and flowing over her shoulders. She had on light makeup that accentuated her natural beauty, making her look even more stunning if that was even possible.

"Let’s go!" she hummed excitedly, snapping him out of his daze.

He nodded, walking alongside her through the hallways. Their arms and hands brushed ever so slightly, and Clifford’s mind went into overdrive. He wanted to hold her hand, no, needed to, but he hesitated.

’Would it be too fast? Or am I moving too slow?’ he wondered.

Before he could decide, Clifford noticed the lingering gazes of the men they passed by each one admiring Kelly as if she were the most captivating thing they’d ever seen. Something possessive flared inside him. Without a second thought, Clifford reached out and gently took Kelly’s hand, interlacing their fingers together.

He held it firmly but not forcefully as if to silently declare to everyone: Kelly is taken.

To his relief, Kelly didn’t pull away. Instead, she smiled, her cheeks glowing slightly as she squeezed his hand back. Clifford could feel his heart thumping even harder, but this time, it wasn’t from nerves. It was from something much warmer and far more satisfying.

As they made their way to the institute’s parking lot, Clifford led Kelly toward his sleek, black sports car. He opened the passenger door for her, earning a soft giggle from Kelly as she teased, "Such a gentleman. Should I expect this all evening?"

"You should," Clifford replied with a small, nervous smile. He felt like his heart might leap out of his chest. Once Kelly was seated, he shut the door carefully before walking around to the driver’s side.

As the engine roared to life, Clifford glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Kelly was already beaming, clearly enjoying the moment. "Ready?" he asked.

"Absolutely!" she replied, her excitement infectious.

The car smoothly pulled out of the institute grounds, and within minutes, they were cruising along the coastal road.

Clifford had rolled the top down, letting the fresh, salty breeze from the ocean sweep through the car. Kelly leaned back in her seat, tilting her face up toward the sky, her long hair flowing freely with the wind.

Clifford couldn’t help but glance her way every now and then, completely captivated. The glow of the golden sun highlighted her soft features, making her look almost ethereal. Kelly closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, letting out a content sigh as the fresh air washed over her.

"This feels so nice," she murmured, turning to Clifford with a bright smile. "I can’t remember the last time I’ve been outside like this, free and without worries."

Clifford’s grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. He could hear the unspoken weight in her words. He knew how difficult things had been for Kelly since her treatment began. That’s why he wanted this day to be perfect for her.

"You deserve this," he said softly, keeping his eyes on the road but his tone sincere. "I just want you to enjoy yourself."

Kelly looked at him for a moment, her smile softening. "Thank you, Clifford," she said gently, her voice almost carried away by the wind. "You’re really good at this, you know."

"Good at what?"

"Making someone feel special."

Clifford’s cheeks warmed at her words, but he hid it behind a small cough and focused harder on the road. "Well, I... uh... glad you think so," he mumbled.

Kelly laughed lightly, her voice like a melody drifting with the breeze. The sound eased Clifford’s nerves, and for the first time all day, he felt like everything was falling into place.

As they approached the secluded beach, the deep orange of the setting sun melted into hues of soft pink and purple, reflecting off the gentle waves. Clifford pulled the car into a small, private clearing lined with palm trees, where he had set up a cozy little glamping spot. A tent with fairy lights, plush cushions, and a small bonfire awaited them, already glowing warmly against the darkening sky.

Kelly’s eyes widened in awe. "Clifford... this is incredible!"

Clifford smiled shyly as he stepped out and offered her his hand. "I’m glad you like it. Come on, let’s enjoy the sun."

Taking his hand, Kelly stepped out of the car, her gaze still transfixed by the beautiful setup. The sound of waves crashing softly in the distance and the cool ocean breeze made everything feel almost magical.

As they walked toward the glamping area, Clifford felt Kelly’s hand squeeze his gently. He looked at her, and for the first time in his life, he felt like he wasn’t chasing something impossible because, in this moment, everything he wanted was right there beside him.

And that was when it hit him... like a quiet, yet powerful wave of clarity. Kelly wasn’t just someone he wanted to spend time with. She was the woman he wanted to spend forever with.